DND readies evacuation plan for overseas Pinoys in Middle East
Published Mar 1, 2026 01:31 pm
SMOKE rises on the skyline after an explosion in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. (AP)
The Department of National Defense (DND) on Sunday, March 1, said it is prepared to carry out evacuation and humanitarian missions for Filipinos in the Middle East if tensions there worsen.
The assurance came amid fears of a wider conflict after the United States and Israel launched a major joint military campaign against Iran on Feb. 28, reportedly killing Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The strikes targeted nuclear facilities, missile sites, key military infrastructure, and senior leadership in Tehran. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks against Israeli targets and US military installations across the Gulf.
The DND said it was closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East in coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and other relevant agencies.
“The Armed Forces of the Philippines stands ready to assist in humanitarian and evacuation operations, if directed,” DND spokesperson Asst. Sec. Arsenio Andolong said.
“The DND and the AFP are ready to respond to probable contingencies, including possible repatriation support and crisis response coordination of Filipinos in affected countries should conditions warrant further action,” he added.
Despite the spike in violence, the DND said there is no direct threat to the Philippines.
“The conflict is contained within the Middle East and there is no credible direct threat to our territory and Filipino and foreign citizens in the country. We urge vigilance against disinformation and condemn those who unnecessarily rouse panic during these circumstances,” Andolong noted.
The DND said that while the fight is currently localized, they are not taking any chances.
Further, the defense department maintained that it would prioritize the lives of those stationed abroad as the situation evolves.
“The protection of our nationals overseas remains a paramount concern, particularly amid rapidly evolving security developments,” Andolong shared.
National security remains 'stable'
Meanwhile, the AFP assured the public that national security conditions remain “stable.”
“The public is encouraged to remain calm, exercise vigilance against disinformation, and rely only on verified government sources,” AFP public affairs office chief, Col. Xerxes Trinidad said.
“The AFP remains committed to its supporting role in whole-of-government efforts, ensuring readiness to assist whenever called upon to help safeguard Filipino lives and uphold national security,” he added.
Thousands of Filipinos live and work across the Middle East, including household service workers, caregivers, engineers, and health professionals.
In Israel, Filipinos are largely deployed as caregivers under a government-to-government hiring program. Several Filipino communities are based in Tel Aviv and other urban centers which have previously been placed under rocket alert during periods of heightened conflict.
In Iran, the Filipino community is much smaller, including workers married to Iranian nationals and those employed in specialized sectors.
Nearby Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Kuwait also host thousands of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).